Easy way out??? Don't think so. Each of us have faced this question and found our own answer. If anyone thinks having 85% of your stomach removed, living solely on liquids for 2.5 weeks then eating 1/3 cup of food for a meal is the "easy" way, I sure don't want to try the hard way!

HOW we achieve our goals is irrelevant. What matters is that we STRIVE for our goals. My favorite book is titled "Shut up, Stop whining and get a life" (seriously). The premise is everyone is where they are in life based on choices they make. If you don't like your location, change your choices. This surgery does that. Obviously you don't like where you are at this point in your life or you wouldn't be on this forum. Therefore.....are you going to make a decision to change your location? That decision is only yours to make.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Hi there. I am 55 yrs old and had my surgery 21 months ago. I believe you know in your heart and soul, this is NOT the easy way out, no matter what others might say or think. I don't give a "fig" for what others say or don't say to my face.
My story is very much the same as yours. People don't give it a second thought to take a magic pill to help with a health issue. This is no different really. We all have to do what we feel is thee best thing for us and our future lives and health.
I have thanked God each and every day since my surgery and will until the day I die. No, going through surgery is NOT easy, even though I had no problems and have done great ever since. Now, almost 2 yrs after surgery I find myself more mentally struggling than anything. Our addiction to food and relationship with food is something we just can't CUT out, like our stomachs. This is a struggle for us, the whole of our lives, even though we have a sleeve. The changes we make must become a part of us, we must constantly make better food choices, still have to be vigilant, etc. So, this is NOT an easy "out".
All that being said....yes, you deserve a better life and better health at the age of 57. Yes, this is your answer if you are at peace with it...and here's to the rest of your life. Here's to a future that is healthy, and seeing you thinner and able to do so much more that now.
Keep us posted here on how it goes and we're always here to encourage and support!

There's no easy way out when you have 50-over 100 pounds to lose. Some people can do it by diet and exercise and keep it off. Some people can't. Those who can't get the surgery, like I did on Dec. 27th. I am seeing results by losing 28 pounds since Preop & surgery. I have ate too fast and my chest hurt, I have ate too much for my sleeve that I feel sick for at least an hour and can't throw up. It is weird to eat a few bites of food and feel full it almost feels like a joke or something. It's not the easy way out. Its a lifetime tool that helps you be successful for real!

this is not the easy way out! all the jumping of hoops to get the surgery & then the actual surgery itself are not easy. then the after effects of having the surgery-really not easy! getting used to a completely new way of eating & lifestyle are not easy! Congratulations on your decision to make a change for the better & healthier way of life. Good luck to you!

I just don't understand where this "easy way out" bull comes from with people, we have all heard it, or heard about it, its just not true. If you are 6 foot 4, then you may not need it, if you are under 5 foot 8, you would be a good candidate. Its not just about weight, its about lifestyle, co-morbities (diabetes, back issues, joint issues, high blood preasure, fertility issues etc).

I've been having back pains for a couple years since my weight has been climbing up, and recently started feeling shin splints with what used to be just normal daily activities. My back specialist said there was nothing more he could do for me; and the only way to alleviate the pressure and pain on my back was to lose weight. When I saw my GP (Americans call them PCPs) for my annual physical checkup this year, and I saw the 260 (i'm 5'7) on the scale, I kind of freaked out - this is the highest I've ever been. Doctor told me I was pre-diabetes, and my PCOS symptoms are in full swing. I decided then and there - I'm not waiting UNTIL I get diabetes to get serious about doing something about this ...

I certainly wouldn't call this the easy way out.

All those years of gym memberships, diets, weigh ins, costs for diet plans, pills for everything going wrong (metformin is not easy, as anyone whose taken it will know!), physio, acupuncture, chriropractor, and in my case spinal needles, getting nerve endings ablated in my lower spine area. All those things, those are easy - someone is doing this to you, for you, giving your pills to cover up all these issues - no, deciding to get the surgery as a permanent tool, and making the commitment to yourself, by yourself, and for yourself to finally do the most difficult thing of all, face your fears, your addictions, and yes, YOUR relationship with food - and finally, do what needs to be done - that's hard.